Offered here is a superb example of Sebastian Münster’s interpretation of Ptolemy’s classical world map in a beautiful period style presentation. Based directly on Claudius Ptolemy’s (83-161 A.D.) renowned world map of 1482, the present document pays cartographical homage to its famous predecessor and thus purposefully illustrates its original geographical inaccuracies. This map features an iconic view of the inhabited world as it was known to 2nd century Romans, pre-dating the age of discovery. One of the most interesting visual aspects of the map is how the southern tip of Africa extends into a massive landform that extends east and completely encapsulates the Indian Ocean. The present map only delineates a Classical view of the world and expands from the Atlantic Ocean to Indochina and from the Arctic to the Tropic of Capricorn. Major river systems are shown throughout the known continents and regions and crude topographical information includes rigidly drawn mountain ranges. Elaborate windheads blowing strong directional winds border the map, which further contributes to its antiquated source material. Historic works by Ptolemy were at their highpoint during the advent of printmaking, therefore a number of maps published during the late 15th and early 16th centuries were based on varying degrees of accuracy from his maps and writings.
Sebastian Münster (1488-1552). “Ptolemeisch General Tafel die halbe Rugel der Welt begreissende,” (Sebastian Petri, Basle: 1588). Published in Munster’s Cosmographen (Cosmographia). Woodcut on thin paper with fine hand-color. 12 1/8 x 14 3/16“ to neatline. Beautifully presented in an exquisite period style gold-leaf frame: 24 x 25 1/2“. Superb condition by sight. SOLD.
Georg Braun (1541-1622) and Frans Hogenberg (ca.1540-ca.1590). “[Paris] Lutetia vulgari Nomine Paris, Urbs Galliae Maxima,” (Braun & Hogenberg, Cologne: 1580). Published in Civitates Orbis Terrarum. Copperplate engraving with full, original hand color. 13 1/2 x 19 1/4“ to neat line. Sheet size: 16 x 20 3/4“. Latin text on verso: LVTETIA PARI: SIORVM. “7” l.r. Professionally backed with archival tissue. Nice oxidation on verso. Full margins. Some age toning and smudges in margins; minor wrinkles in margins; minor foxing in l.r. quadrant. Very good condition for this popular city view. $4,000.
Presented here is a fantastic early plan of the city of Paris by the famous publishers Braun and Hogenberg. This wonderful and historic city view first appeared in volume one of their six volume Civitates Orbis Terrarum. The details of this view were mostly derived from an important manuscript map of Paris known as the Plan Premier or First Plan created in c.1530. During its use, this plan was regularly updated to reflect urban development. Every 16th century depiction of Paris is attributed to the Plan Premier, which measured roughly 5 x 4 meters. The Wall of Philip Augustus is shown encircling the heart of the city and is the oldest city wall of Paris whose plan is accurately known. With its circular configuration, it is easy to see how the city of Paris began as a small settlement on the island located in the middle of the Seine River, known as Lutetia. From this origin point Paris grew through many successive periods with the addition of new walls, citadels, and forts. Rich in detail and information, this view of Paris is among the most important drawn of the famed city.
Abraham Ortelius’ beautiful map of the North Atlantic was originally published in the 1570 Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, widely considered to be the first modern atlas. This artistic and detailed map richly portrays the islands of Great Britain, Ireland, Iceland, and Greenland, as well as the Faroe and Shetland Islands. Framing them all is an Arctic to the north, northern Europe to the south, and to the west, part of the mainland of North America. Of equal interest to the collector of maps, however, are the mythical islands of Frisland, Drogeo, and Icaria in the Atlantic, and the mythical region of Estotiland (Estotilant). The combination of artistry along with both contemporary accuracy and myth make this map exceptionally compelling. As Tooley notes in Maps and Map-Makers the “Maps of Ortelius are always attractive” but of the “maps of Scandinavian interest… the general map of the Northern Regions is the most attractive and justly popular.”
Abraham Ortelius (1528-1598). “Septentrionalium Regionum Descript,” (Antwerp: 1581). Second state. Published in Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. Copperplate engraving with original hand color. French text on verso: LES PAYS SEPTENTRIONAVX. l.r. p.81. Excellent condition by sight. $3,800.
Abraham Ortelius (1528–1598). “Scotiae Tabula,” (Antwerp: 1581 [1573]). Published in Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (French Edition). Double-page copperplate engraving on beautiful thin, laid paper with excellent full hand color. 13 7/8 x 18 5/8″ to neatline. Sheet with full margins measures: 17 x 22 3/4″. Finely printed French text on verso: ECOSSE, Page no. 9. Overall excellent condition. SOLD.
The present map by Abraham Ortelius offers a bold and fascinating representation of Scotland during the sixteenth century. The map was issued during the reign of James VI, the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, and at a time when the kingdom of Scotland was still a sovereign state. Ortelius’ map is among the very earliest examples of a stand-alone map of the region, and is referenced by scholars for early place names. Ortelius first published his “Scotland” in 1573 as part of the Additamentum (addendum) to his Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, and included it within subsequent editions of the atlas. The map was based in part on Mercator’s wall map of the British Isles from 1564 and is oriented with west at the top. Ortelius was a great compiler of newly discovered facts and information. The Theatrum Orbis Terrarum is widely considered to be the first modern atlas, with 70 copper engraving and descriptive text in one volume.
Abraham Ortelius’ “Americae Sive Novi Orbis, Nova Descriptio” (New Map of America or the New World) depicts one of the earliest and most influential models for the mapping of the Americas. This is another example in this catalog of Ortelius’s exceptional engraving and decorative details from the heyday of Dutch cartography. It shows North America divided between New Spain and New France, with the northwest region marked as regions incognitae. California is correctly shown as part of the largely unexplored mainland, the extreme west of which bears the name Quivera. Coastlines and rivers are highly detailed. Many settlements shown in Mesoamerica and Peru reveal the extent of Spanish colonization during this time. Ortelius published this map of the New World in his Theatrum Orbis Terrarum and the map offered here is the 3rd state from the 1592 edition. This is a quintessential map for any collection centered around the Americas.
Abraham Ortelius (1528–98). “Americae Sive Novi Orbis, Nova Descriptio,” [New Map of America or the New World] (Antwerp, 1592). Third State. Published in the Latin edition of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. Double-page copperplate engraving with beautiful, full hand color. Engraved by Franciscus (Frans) Hogenberg. Full margins. 13 7/8 x 19″ at neatline. Sheet size: 17 1/2 x 21″. Text on verso: NOVVS ORBIS; “V”. Strong impression; minor printer’s wrinkle in right margin, some foxing in margins and verso. Very good condition. $9,500.
Abraham Ortelius (1528–1598). “Indiae Orientalis Insularumque Adiacientium Typus,” (Antwerp: 1595). Published in the Latin edition of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. Double-page copperplate engraving with magnificent, full hand color. Full margins. 13 3/4 x 19 1/2″ at neat line. Sheet size: 17 1/2 x 21″. Latin text on verso: INDIA. [108]. Strong impression; Some minor toning in margins. Excellent condition for this historically popular map. $5,200.
Abraham Ortelius’ wonderful map Indiae Orientalis reflects the geographer’s unique access to Mercator’s World map of 1569. This elaborate map of the East Indies was extremely fascinating for Europeans at the time due to their obsession with the resource rich Spice Islands. This is further illuminated by the inscription on the map near the Moluccas, which states “Of the famous Moluccas islands there are next to Gilolo five, exporting all over the world a great abundance of fragrant spices, namely Tarenate, Tidore, Motir, Machia, and Bachia.” Of particular interest geographically is the partial appearance of New Guinea. Shown on the present map as a promontory. Additional cartographical irregularities appear throughout the map including an oversized Sumatra and Java. The Philippines are shown as incomplete and Japan appears to have a quirky configuration. Despite these misconceptions, the present map was still one of the most complete and accurate understandings of this region during the time it was published. A beautiful and important map from the Golden Age of Dutch and Flemish cartography, it contains splendid characteristics of remarkably fine engraving and showcases decorative details of an enchanting nature.
The spectacular map offered here is a depiction of the world from the Age of Discovery and was published in a Latin edition of Abraham Ortelius’ famous atlas rendered in magnificent color. His New World mapping is also a study in early conjecture, including a generous northwest passage below the Terra Septentrionalis Incognita, and a projection of the St. Lawrence reaching to the middle of the continent. Ortelius’ map includes Terra Australis Nondum Cognita, reflecting the misconception held at the time of a massive southern continent, that incorporates Tierra del Fuego in the southern polar region rather than in South America. The relatively unknown regions across Northeast Asia distort the outline of Japan considerably. In the North Atlantic, the outline of Scandinavia is skewed, and Greenland appears very close to North America. Ortelius published his world maps in his Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, which was considered to be the first modern atlas. This investment quality world map would be an essential addition to any serious collection.
Abraham Ortelius (1528–1598). “Typus Orbis Terrarum,” (Antwerp: 1601). Published in the Latin editions of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. Double-page copperplate engraving with beautiful, full hand color. Engraved by Franciscus (Frans) Hogenberg. Latin text on verso: “Orbis Terrarum,” and “I”. 14 x 19 1/4″ to neatline. Sheet size: 17 1/2 x 20 1/2″. Strong impression; Minor printer’s wrinkle u.l. corner; a few minor repairs lower margin verso. Excellent condition for this famous map. $15,000.
William Hole (c.1601-1646). “Hiberniae Ireland Anglis Yverdon Britannis Erin incolis lerna,” (London: c.1610-1637). No text on verso; which makes this example a second or third state. Copperplate engraving on fine, thin paper. Uncolored as originally issued. 10 1/2 x 13 1/4“ to neatline. Sheet size: 13 x 15 3/8“. Full margins. Some slight toning along centerfold. Excellent condition for this scarce map. $975.
Offered here is one of the earliest obtainable maps of Ireland that was published in England by the rather obscure cartographer William Hole. The orientation is quite fascinating with the west positioned to the top of the page and east to the bottom. Detailed place names including cities, towns, villages, and counties appear throughout the map. Topographical details include mountains, river systems, lakes, and numerous small islands. The network of roads spanning across the region are delineated with dashed lines, highlighting the most efficient routes from town to town. Decorative details include a wonderfully engraved compass rose located in the bottom left corner of the map in addition to ships and sea monsters located in the seas around the island. The present example does not have any text on the verso, making it either a second or third state of the map. This early and scarce map would make an outstanding and unique addition to any collection focused on the British Isles.
This fantastic English mapping of the European Low Countries by John Speed was originally published in his famous atlas titled A Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World. It wonderfully depicts all of the seventeen traditional provinces of the Netherlands, including the modern nations of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. The tumultuous Eighty Years War (1568-1648) between the Dutch Republic and Spain was taking place throughout the region when this map was published, which enrichens its historical context. A decorative carte-à-figures border is shown wrapping around the map and includes magnificent illustrations of various inhabitants of the Low Countries in costume along with important city views of Amsterdam, Antwerpen, Ghendt, Middelburg, Groeningen, Zutphen, Utrecht and Atrecht at the top of the map. This was a signature device used by Speed. John Speed was the best-known English mapmaker of the seventeenth century. Speed’s work established a market niche for English mapmaking during a period when the Dutch dominated a majority of the commercial cartographic production in Europe. A superb example of John Speed’s highly decorative map of the Low Countries.
John Speed (c.1551-1629). “A New Mape of Ye XVII Provinces of Low Germanie, Mended A New in Manie Places,” (George Humble, London: 1627, [1634]). Published in A Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World. Copperplate engraving with hand-color. 16 1/4 x 21“ to neatline. Sheet size: 16 7/8 x 21 3/4“. English text on verso: The Description of BELGIA. Excellent condition. $2,500.
Jodocus Hondius (1594-5-1629) Johannes Janssonius (1588-1664). “Tabula Islandiae: Auctore Georgio Carolo Flandro,” (Amsterdam: c.1630). The lack of text on verso suggests that this map could be a first issue from the Appendix Atlantis Maioris. Copperplate engraving on fine, thin paper. Rich, strong impression. Uncolored. Full margins. 14 15/16 x 19 3/8“ to neat line. Sheet size: 17 1/8 x 20 7/8“. Very little pinpoint foxing. Evidence of previously being folded, perhaps included in a book. Now professionally flattened. Excellent original condition. $1,800.
This very important map of Iceland was created through the contributions of renowned cartographers Jodocus Hondius and Johannes Janssonius and shows the island in its entirety as known during the 17th century. It is primarily based on a previous map of the region by Joris Carolo (c.1566-1636) of Enkhuizen, Netherlands. This highly detailed map shows an abundance of exaggerated topographical features that seem to jump off of the page, which includes mountain ranges, rivers, and volcanoes. Villages and place names are scattered along the coast along with numerous smaller islands that are not identified. A pair of compass roses, a galleon, and fantastical sea monsters add to the highly decorative and embellished nature of this must have map. The elaborate title cartouche in the lower left corner gives additional credit to Carolo and shows two winged angels pouring water out of vessels. This highly influential map of Iceland is essential and would pair well with Ortelius’ map of the North Atlantic, which is also included in this catalog.
Offered here is a fantastic old-world mapping of southeastern Sweden from the Blaeu family of cartographers. This map primarily focuses on the area surrounding Stockholm, which is noted on the map as Stocholmia, and presents in great detail the numerous small islands scattered along Sweden’s eastern coast. Decorative details include a title cartouche in the lower righthand corner showing rural inhabitants and a knight in amour. To the lower left an allegorical cartouche with an elaborate coat of arms dedicates the present map to ‘D. Michaeli le Blon’. This notable map was published in Blaeu’s renowned eleven volume Atlas Maior, which is considered by many to be the greatest atlas ever published, both in its own time and even today. The present map is an outstanding cartographic accomplishment produced of the finest materials, craftsmanship, and geographical information of the time. This wonderfully collectible map of Sweden would be a quintessential addition to any collection focused on Northern Europe.
Joan Blaeu (1596-1673). “Dvcatvs Vplandia,” (Amsterdam: 1644-45). Published in the famous 11 volume Atlas Maior by Joan and Cornelius Blaeu. Copperplate engraving with outline hand-color. 15 x 19 1/2 to neatline. Sheet size: 19 3/4 x 24 1/2“. Full margins. Latin text on verso: VPLANDIA p.15 u.r. Overall age toning; a few stains in the left margin; minor foxing throughout. Good condition. $1,500.
Athanasius Kircher (c.1601-1680). “Tabula Geographico-Hydrographica Motus Oceani, Currentes, Abyssos, Montes Ignivomos In Universo Orbe Indicans,” (Amsterdam: 1665). Published in Mundus Subterraneus. Copperplate engraving on thin paper. 13 3/8 x 22“ to neatline. Sheet size: 14 7/16 x 23“. Uncolored as issued. Strong, rich impression. Some stray ink on top platemark. Slight age toning in margin. Excellent condition for this sought-after map. $2,200.
This scarce and important map by Athanasius Kircher is one of the first known maps to show the ocean currents of the world. The currents are visually evident by the heavily stylized, directional mark-making that appears throughout the oceans. Not only was this information extremely important for navigation during this period, but it also contributes an interesting and pleasing aesthetic to the map. The continents and their major river systems are extremely stylized, therefore lacking a great amount detail. One feature that is highly emphasized is the depiction of the major volcanos of the world. Each one is noted by a small illustration with steam rising from the top. As the title of the general map in his Mundus Subterraneus relates, this work shows the ocean currents, chasms and volcanoes as then recorded. The volume and page number (Tomus I.134.) appear in the top right-hand corner. The initial publishers of Kircher’s work were Jan Jansson and Elizabeth Weyerstraet; there were several later editions.
This fascinating and scarce map by Athanasius Kircher is one of the first known maps to show the ocean currents of the Americas. The currents are visually evident by the heavily stylized, directional mark-making that appears throughout the oceans. Not only was this information extremely important for navigation during this period, but it also contributes an interesting and pleasing aesthetic to the map. It is remarkably accurate for the period, although a massive crater at the headwaters of the Amazon River is certainly a curious addition. The two continents and their major river systems are heavily stylized, lacking some inland detail. A feature that is highly emphasized is the major volcanos, which mostly appear along the western coast of South America. Each one is depicted by a small illustration of a volcano with steam rising from the top. Additional topographical features are included as well.
Athanasius Kircher (c.1601-1680). “Mappa Fluxus et Refluxus rationes in Isthmo Americano, in freto Magellanico, caeterisque Americae Littoribus exhibens,” (Amsterdam: 1665). Published in Mundus Subterraneus. Copperplate engraving on thin paper. 13 1/2 x 16“ to neatline. Sheet size: 14 1/4 x 16 1/2“. Uncolored as issued. Strong, rich impression. Tight margins; Slight age toning in margins. Very good condition for this unique map of the Americas. $1,200.
Nicolas de Fer (1646–1720). “Les Costes aux Environs de la Riviere de Misisipi. Decouvertes par Mr. de la Salle en 1683 et reconnues par Mr. le Chevallier d’Iberville en 1698 et 1699 …” [The coasts around the Mississippi River. Discoveries by Mr. de la Salle in 1683 and relocated by Mr. Chevallier d’Iberville in 1698 and 1699 …] (Paris: 1701) Early edition. Published in Atlas Curieux. Copperplate engraving on thin paper with light outline hand color. Engraved by Vincent de Ginville. Uncolored cartouche as originally issued. 8 1/2 x 13″ at neatline. Sheet size: 11 1/2 x 16″. Full margins, strong impression. Manuscript numbering u.r. Minor stain u.l. margin; a few very minor fox marks. Otherwise, excellent condition. $2,000.
Nicolas De Fer’s map of the Mississippi region and the Gulf of Mexico reflects the politics of exploration, along with the legitimate demand for scientific information at the time. As Martin and Martin affirm, “because of its magnitude and location, both geographically and politically, the Mississippi River played a significant role in the mapping of the continent.” The map’s title cartouche contains a depiction of the assassination of La Salle by his own men. La Salle had returned in 1684 via the Gulf with 300 settlers to establish a colony at the mouth of the Mississippi and instead landed at Matagorda Bay in present-day Texas, where his ships and provisions were destroyed by a hurricane.
Nicolas De Fer’s beautiful map of New Spain and the Gulf of Mexico is a fine example of French cartography at the turn of the 18th century. Encompassing a wide area from the southern portion of what is now the United States through Central America, the map contains multiple interesting components of both human and physical geography. The names and locations of Pascobula (Pascagoula), Biloky (Biloxi), La Mobila (Mobile), and Apalachicoly (Apalachicola) are shown, and the map extends to Santa Fe at its most northern point. Governmental divisions are likewise delineated, and Nouveau Mexique (New Mexico) is noted in the region above New Spain. This map also has a delicate and lovely title cartouche that is embellished with two figures in indigenous attire, next to which appears the geographical coordinates of Panama, Acapulco, Mexico, and the Mississippi River.
Nicolas de Fer (1646–1720). “Le Vieux Mexique ou Nouvelle Espagne avec les costes De La Floride” [Old Mexico or New Spain with the coasts of Florida] (Paris: 1702). Published in L’Atlas Curieux ou le Monde Represente ans des Cartes Generales et Particulieres du Ciel et de la Terre... Copperplate engraving with fine outline color. 9 x 12 7/8″ to neatline, with full margins. Sheet size: 11 1/2 x 16“. Manuscript numbering u.r.: “92”. Strong impression, uncolored cartouche as issued. Minor stain u.l. margin, overall age toning. Excellent condition. $1,500.
Matthäus Seutter’s dynamic map of colonial New England is based upon the famous Jansson-Visscher prototype from the seventeenth century. As with its predecessors, Seutter’s Nova Belgii details European settlement from the Chesapeake Bay to Maine and contains the most up-to-date cartographical information. Highly detailed illustrations of wildlife appear scattered throughout the region including beavers, turkeys, bears, foxes, and elk, which were all derived from Blaeu’s Nova Belgica of 1635. The title Nova Belgii was first established by the Jansson-Visscher series of maps, marking the proliferation of Belgian Protestants within the Dutch West India Company. The cartouche rests upon a harbor view of New York City in which the city displays much growth and development as compared to a similar view appearing on the 1660 Visscher version of the map. The detail of this map is astounding and complex, its design and coloring beautiful and compelling. Overall, a wonderful example of the work of a foremost master of the eighteenth-century German School.
Matthäus Seutter (1678-1757). “Recens Edita Totius Novi Belgii, In America Septentrionali,” (Augsburg: c.1735). Second state with “Sac. Cæs. Maj. Geographi August. Vind” appearing after the title imprint. Double-page copperplate engraving on thick paper with fine, full hand color. 19 1/2 x 22 5/8“ at neatline with full margins. Sheet size: 20 3/4 x 23 7/8“. Magnificent title cartouche, uncolored as issued, surmounts famous ‘Restitutio’ view of New York City with a Latin key. Overall fine condition for this popular map. $5,500.
Jean-Baptiste Crépy (fl. 1753-1796). “Mappe Monde qui Comprend les Nouvelles découvertes faites jusqua ce jour,” (Paris: Chez Crépy ‘rue St. Jacques a S. Pierre près la rue de la Parcheminerie’; 1767). Published in Crépy’s scarce Atlas Portatif. Copperplate engraving on thin paper with full and outline hand color. 9 x 12“ to highlighted border. Sheet size: 9 3/8 x 13 1/8“. Slight uneven bottom margin with some fraying. Tight, original margins. Slight overall age toning. Very good condition for this rare map. $1,400.
Offered here is a fantastic and colorful world map from Crépy’s scarce Atlas Portatif. This decorative world map illustrates all of the best mythical cartographical features of the mid 18th century. The Sea of the West and a dramatic misprojection of the northwest coast of America is still evident as a result of the pre-Cook Russian Voyages of the 1740’s. Australia is denoted as Nouvelle Holland and is still shown as being attached to New Guinea and Van Diemen’s land to the south, which in turn creates an odd and ephemeral shape to the landmass that is characteristic of the mid 1700’s. Only a small portion of the New Zealand coastline is known. There is no sign of Antarctica, but the Antipodes are mentioned in the far southern region of the Pacific Ocean, in addition to a mythical landfall by Drake South of Tierra del Fuego. Wonderfully illustrated female representations of the four continents decorate the four corners of the map along with elaborately designed cartouches.
Henry Schenck Tanner (1786-1858). “Mexico & Guatemala,” (H.S. Tanner, Philadelphia: 1834 [1843]). Published in Tanner’s Universal Atlas. Copperplate engraving on heavy paper with original full color. Engraved by J. Knight. 11 3/16 x 14 1/4“ to neatline. Sheet size: 13 3/4 x 17 1/2“. Inset maps of Guatemala u.l. and Valley of Mexico l.l. Some staining left and top margin; overall age toning. Good condition. $1,200.
This intriguing map of Mexico and Guatemala by H. S. Tanner is from a later issue of his Universal Atlas, therefore pushing this maps publication date closer to the beginning of the Mexican American War, which as a result would drastically transform the boundary lines that this map delineates. Each Mexican state is wonderfully hand-colored as to be easily identifiable. Large states that extend into the present-day U.S. include Upper California, New Mexico or Santa Fe, and Coahuila and Texas. The map offered here shows some noteworthy differences from its earlier release in 1836, Houston is now noted and San Felipe de Austin in the 1836 issue is now just San Felipe. Cities, towns, and villages are identified along with great topographical information including mountain ranges, volcanos, and river systems. Tanner’s Universal Atlas was published in order to reach a broader audience than his earlier large format American Atlas, and has the added benefit of being less expensive, having smaller pages, and including an expanded coverage of non-American areas. A wonderful 19th century view of Mexico.
This chart of the world’s great mountains and rivers by Henry Tanner is a striking example of the kind of encyclopedic information that mapmakers of the late nineteenth century sought to include in their atlases. The courses of 43 major world rivers are portrayed in geographic detail, from their mouths at major water bodies to their known mountain sources and headwaters. Tributaries from large to medium to small, as well as lakes of numerous sizes are shown, along with riverside cities and towns. Through the straightened distortion of the watercourses and their watersheds, the major river systems’ lengths are compared side-by-side, vertically. Their rankings are notably different than they would be today, with Yangtze shown as the longest system, the Amazon second, and the Nile, fifth. For North and South America, Asia, Africa, Europe, highly stylized mountains are projected diagonally across the chart, with elevations and names noted in the tables that appear on the left and right side of the map.
Henry Schenck Tanner (1786-1858). “Lengths of Principal Rivers in the World. Heights of the Principal Mountains in the World,” (Philadelphia: Carey & Hart [1844] 1836). Published in A New Universal Atlas Containing Maps of the various Empires, Kingdoms, States and Republics Of The World. Lithograph [image transferred from steel engraving plate] with original hand-coloring. Engraved by F. Humphrys. 12 5/8 x 15 5/8“ to neatline. Sheet size: 14 x 17 3/8“. Comparative chart presented with the mountains and volcanoes at center with the rivers at the top. Major world cities are shown scattered across the mountains at their appropriate elevations. Text key at sides. Slight age toning in margins along with perforations at the bottom. Very good condition for this popular chart. $750.
James H. Young (fl.1817-1866) [Cowperthwait, Desilver & Butler]. “Map of the State of Texas from the latest Authorities,” (J.L. Hazzard, Philadelphia: 1854 [1850]). Lithograph transfer from engraved plate by J.L. Hazzard with full original hand color, 12 3/4 x 15 3/4″ to decorative border. Sheet size: 13 3/4 x 16 7/8″. Inset l.l.: “Map of the Vicinity of Galveston City.” Inset u.l.: “Northern Texas on the same scale as the large map.” Some minor age toning around the edges. Very good condition. $2,000.
This fine map of Texas by James H. Young is a later version of a classic map originally issued by this map’s publisher, Thomas, Cowperthwait and Co. two years prior in 1852. Young decidedly issued a similar map, but this time compiled the most current details available and produced this present map that shows a significant amount of information for both the eastern and western portions of Texas. Unlike the earlier version, this map shows the rapid rate of settlement and development in the western parts of the state. Young’s map of Texas shows the state after the Republic era and in the midst of the Gadsden Purchase of 1853-54, which was ratified in the year this map was published. Though much of the Gadsden Purchase was responsible for the enlargement of U.S. Territory in southern Arizona and New Mexico, this treaty initiated the development of the railroad system into the Southwest, and secured the US and Mexican border in parts of Texas establishing the Rio Grande River as the boundary.
California by Joseph Colton was first issued separately as a pocket map in 1853, and is probably the best-known map of the state during the 1850s. It is one of the earliest maps of California, predated only by the Butler map and the Gibbs New Map of California, both of 1851. Bordered by Colton’s signature interlacing pattern, the present map shows counties variously colored, explorers’ routes, railroads (existing and “explored” routes); cities; mountain ranges including named peaks and their elevations, missions; the gold region of the Sierra foothills; marsh lands, river systems, bays and volcanoes. California experienced a surge in settlement in the northern parts due to the “Gold Rush” beginning in 1848. Over 300,000 prospectors flooded the state in effort to mine gold in the Sierra Nevada and neighboring areas. The map offered here is the 1856 edition, which was included in Colton’s Atlas of the World Illustrating Physical and Railroad Geography, the first atlas published by the firm after many years of issuing pocket maps, wall maps, guides, and maps for books.
Joseph Hutchins Colton (1800-1893). “California,” (New York: J. H. Colton & Co., 1856). First edition, second issue. Published in Colton’s Atlas of the World. Lithograph with superb original full hand color 15 3/4 x 12 3/4″ at strap-work border, with full, even margins on heavy paper. Sheet size: 18 3/8 x 15 1/4″. Inset in u.r. corner: City of San Francisco. Blank on verso. A few faint fox marks in left, bottom, and right margin. Very good condition. SOLD.
Samuel Augustus Mitchell (1792–1868). “County Map of Texas,” (Philadelphia: S. A. Mitchell, Jr., 1860). First edition, first state. Lithograph with original full hand color on heavy paper. Published in Mitchell’s New General Atlas. 10 21/32 x 13 5/32″ at decorative border. Sheet:12 15/16 x 15 17/32″. Inset map, l.l., “Galveston Bay and Vicinity.” Strong impression with bright color; some marginal age toning; uneven edge at top. Excellent condition. $1,500.
Samuel Augustus Mitchell’s County Map of Texas effectively documents the progress of settlement in the state during the mid-nineteenth century, with most roads and towns concentrated to the east, while much of the west remained not surveyed. Counties are delineated by color, creating a lively graphic quality. Highly detailed information includes stagecoach roads, existing and proposed railroads, towns, and rivers. Some topographic features are included here recalling some early Texas history. Llano Escatado or Staked Plain situated on this map in the region known as “Young Territory” is a high plateau region that got its name from New Mexicans who blanketed the present West Texas areas with expeditions from as early as 1786 to 1875. The name Staked Plain was said to have derived from the necessity to stake horses on a treeless Llano. This is the first edition and first state of this map, which was initially published in 1860, the year Samuel Augustus Mitchell retired, and had continued to be published until 1893 by his son Samuel Augustus Mitchell, Jr.
Offered here is a rare and beautiful pocket map of the state of Texas issued by the famed Colton publishing company. This single sheet folding map is much larger than the standard atlas map, allowing for a notable visual impression. The map is a wonderful snapshot depicting a time of rapid change in the state. Counties are now being divided west of the 23rd meridian, with some in the north being shown without a single town, whereas west Texas is delineated into the five large counties of Tom Green, Crockett, Pecos, El Paso, and Presidio. Interesting inset maps are included in the lower left corner of the map and include a “Plan of Matagorda Bay”, “Plan of Sabine Lake”, “Plan of Galveston Bay”, and the “Northern Part or Panhandle of Texas”. Excellent details of towns, rivers, cities, forts, roads, and railroads are noted throughout the state along with topographical detail. Additionally, the map is embellished with an elaborate botanical border with a bird illustrated in each of the four corners.
George W. Colton (1827-1901) & Charles B. Colton (1832-1916). “Colton’s “New Medium” Map of the State of Texas From the Latest & Most Authentic Sources,” (New York: G.W. and C.B. Colton & Co. No. 172 William St.: 1872 [1879]). Published as a separately issued folding pocket map, now flat. Lithograph on thin, fine bank note paper with outstanding original full hand-color. 19 x 25 3/4“ to decorative, botanical border. Sheet size: 20 3/8 x 26 1/2“. Insets l.r. of “Plan of Matagorda Bay”, “Plan of Sabine Lake”, “Plan of Galveston Bay”, and the “Northern Part or Panhandle of Texas”. Covers not included. Minor manuscript notations in pencil appear in Crockett County. Overall excellent condition for this highly desired map of Texas. $5,500.
A. L. Bancroft’s map of California and the Southwest is without a doubt the best map of the western United States published in the west after the Civil War. It was one of a series of notable maps originally created by the Bancroft company in 1864 that “automatically established the rising H. H. Bancroft house as the greatest map publisher of the Pacific Coast. So large in size are these maps and so overflowing in detail, it is utterly impossible to describe their minutiae.” (Wheat) Hubert Howe Bancroft later gained national renown as a distinguished historian whose 39-volume work on the History of the Pacific States of North America remains an extraordinary achievement. In 1868, he turned his publishing business over to his brother A. L. Bancroft in order to catalogue his vast collection of historical documents and to begin work on his magnum opus.
A. L. continued his brother’s predilection for historical accuracy and fine quality, and the map offered here testifies to his successful efforts. It is the fourth edition of this large-scale map that was originally published in 1864. Compiled by William H. Knight, the extraordinary level of detail is presented on the impressive scale of 24 miles to the inch in bold, dramatic color. Knight incorporated the latest information for the region west of the continental divide and is credited with several firsts, including assigning the Indian name of Tahoe to the lake in the California Sierras. Cities, Indian villages, military camps and forts, natural features, and transportation systems are carefully laid down, including information rarely seen on maps of this period. Knight made some changes in the original 1864 plate, as for example, in Nevada where he added Reno and White Pine Country with all its mining towns. He also added Prescott and Ft. Whipple in Arizona, and Oakland and Bakersfield in California. The Pacific Railroad is completed, as is the Utah Central between Ogden and Salt Lake. In fact, among the editions published by A. L. Bancroft and dated 1871, 1873, 1876, and 1878, only the smallest variances have been noted, primarily consisting of the advances in railroad construction.
This is a superb and rare map of the American West, essential for Arizona, showing that state within its post-Civil War context, and by the finest West Coast publisher of the period.
A. L. Bancroft (1841-1914) / William H. Knight. “Bancroft’s, Map of California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona” (San Francisco: A. L. Bancroft, & Co., 1878). Fourth edition. Lithographed pocket map with full original hand color. Issued folding. Archivally shrink-wrapped. 29 x 33 1/4″ to decorative border. Sheet size: 33 x 36 1/2″. Overall age toning; some fox marks in margins; some wear and toning along fold lines. Good condition for this important map of California. $3,500.
U.S. Interior Department, Census Bureau. “Map of Indian Territory and Oklahoma,” (New York: Julius Bien & Co., 1890). Lithograph in six colors. 22 1/8 x 29 5/8″ at neatline. Sheet size: 24 1/4 x 31 1/4.” Marginal titling, u.l.: Eleventh Census of the United States. Marginal titling, u.r.: Indians. Published in Report on Indians Taxed and Indians Not Taxed in the United States (1894). References: a key to symbols, u.r. A list of Railroads – Indian Territory and Oklahoma with their authorization dates, l.r. A description of Indian Territory (June 1, 1890), l.l. Issued folding. Light, even toning, 1/4″ marginal tear, l.l., repaired. Archivally shrink-wrapped. A very bright and clean example in fine condition. $2,750.
This U.S. Census map documents a monumental period of transition in the history of Oklahoma—it shows Indian Territory and the newly created Territory of Oklahoma together, and is perhaps the only government-issued map to do so. The red boundary line emphasizes this division. The creation of Oklahoma Territory by Congress in 1890 occurred soon after President Benjamin Harrison authorized the opening of “surplus” Indian reservation lands for sale. Yielding to pressure from cattlemen in the surrounding states and to railroads planning construction through unassigned lands, the Dawes Severalty Act of 1887 made U.S. settlement of Indian Territory a certainty. After the territory was divided into two by the creation of Oklahoma Territory and what remained of Indian Territory, both entities sought statehood independently. The present map records substantial encroachment of settlers by 1890, including the presence of thirteen rail lines “authorized by Congress” and indexed in the lower right corner. Historical notes throughout provide information about Indian Lands and related treaties.
Offered here is an extremely rare pocket map of New Mexico before it became a state in 1912. Published by The Kenyon Printing and Mfg. Co., this map shows the entire territory of New Mexico with large, boldly printed, county delineations. Very slight distinctions of the surrounding states appear, including slivers of Texas to the east and south, Oklahoma, Colorado, and the Territory of Arizona. Rivers and railroads appear prominently on this fantastic map. At this time, railroads were the predominant form of transportation in order to easily traverse the vast expanse of the American Southwest. Numerous National Forests are outlined in red, including Guadalupe, Gila, San Mateo, Mt. Taylor, Pecos, and Taos to name a few. Cities, villages, lakes, and congressional districts are also noted throughout the map. Native American reservations are indicated by black dashed borders and include the Zuni, Mescalero Apache, Jicarilla, and parts of the Navajo and Southern Ute reservations. Only one other copy of this map has been located and resides in the Museum of New Mexico Library.
The Kenyon Printing and Mfg. Co. “Map of New Mexico with Population and Location of Principal Towns and Cities, According to the Latest Reliable Statistics,” (The Kenyon Printing and Mfg. Co. Des Moines, Iowa: 1908). Lithograph on fine paper with full and outline printed color. Folding pocket map: 18 7/8 x 16“ to neatline. Sheet size: 20 x 17“. Original booklet is attached in u.l. corner, 5 3/8 x 3“; dark blue stiff paper wrappers with black lettering: Up-To-Date Indexed Map Of New Mexico. Index on verso titled: Location and Population of all Cities and Towns in New Mexico According to the U.S. Census and Other Reliable Sources. Slight staining in margins, minor repair c.r. margin, minor repair to booklet. Good condition for this rare pocket map. SOLD.
Clason Map Co. “Clason’s Highway Map of Arizona,” (Denver, Colorado: Clason Map Company, 1912). Lithographed pocket map, dissected and laid on linen. Strong impression. Bright, printed outline color. 35 1/2 x 30 3/8“ to neatline. Sheet size: 36 1/2 x 31 5/8“. Accompanied by the original booklet: 6 3/4 x 4“; blue cloth covered boards with black lettering: Clason’s Auto-Special Map of Arizona. Slight wear and minor chipping along some folds. Professionally shrink-wrapped. Excellent condition for this large map. $1,800.
This impressive large format map of the state of Arizona published by the Clason Map Co. delivers a wonderful visual impact along with great information for early 20th century tourists traveling through this region. This folding pocket map covers the entire state of Arizona and highlights important information for travelers including highway routes, railroads, wagon roads, and trail roads. County boundaries are delineated in bold red lines, whereas the boundaries of Indian Reservations are shown in a thin red line. Additional boundaries for National Parks and Private Land Grants are shown in solid and dashed black lines. The San Xavier Del Bac Mission located 9 miles south of Tucson is noted as Xavia Del Bac on the map. It was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692 and construction was completed between 1783 and 1797, and is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona. Many Native American Reservations are noted throughout the state, with the Navajo Reservation being the largest land area retained by a tribe in the United States. It is located in the northeastern corner of Arizona and expands into Utah and New Mexico. Topographical information is shown along with rivers, towns, cities, villages, and landmarks.
This fantastic early 20th century map of New Mexico published by Rand McNally & Co. offers a comprehensive view of the entire state and highlights important information for both tourism and commerce. Counties are named and delineated with a dark yellow printed outline. Major New Mexico railroad routes are noted with red numbers including Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, and the Fort Worth & Denver City lines to name a few. The primary highways running through the state are shown along with interesting topographical information that includes mountains, mesas, and lava flows. Cities, towns, villages, and rivers are noted. Additional information included within the booklet includes electric lines, post offices, express telegraph lines, congressional townships, and air service landing fields. Rand McNally & Co. was formed 1858 at 148 Lake Street in Chicago, IL. They were prolific publishers of atlases, maps and globes. The company began when a partnership was created between William H. Rand and his printer Andrew McNally. They became the largest commercial publisher in the United States largely due to an early adoption of wax engraving processes. The firm still flourishes to this day.
Rand McNally & Co. “Standard Map of New Mexico,” (Rand McNally Company, Chicago 536 South Clark St.: 1924). Lithographed pocket map on fine, thin paper. Printed full and outline color. 18 7/8 x 25 3/4“ to neatline. Sheet size: 21 x 28“. Attached to original booklet: 6 1/2 x 4“. Brown card covers with black lettering: New Mexico: Rand McNally Indexed Pocket Map, Tourists and Shippers Guide. Verso: Rand McNally Main Highway Map of New Mexico. Minor imperfection at the bottom of front booklet cover. Excellent condition for this attractive map. $600.
George Catlin (1796–1872). “Buffalo Hunt, Surround.” Folio plate no. 9. Published in Catlin’s North American Indian Portfolio: Hunting Scenes and Amusements of the Rocky Mountains and Prairies of America. (London: Day & Haghe, 1844). Deluxe edition. Lithograph with hand color, mounted on card with outline rule. Image size: 12 1/8 x 17 3/4″. Card size: 16 x 22“. Strong impression; vivid, bright color. Very fine condition. SOLD
During the 1830s, George Catlin lived for years among several North American Indian tribes, studying their ways. His published works provide us with the most authentic anthropological record of these already vanishing people. Catlin’s Gallery included more than four hundred painted portraits and scenes of tribal life, from which the illustrations for his books were drawn. Shortly after taking his “Gallery” to England for an extended period, Catlin self-published the first of the many editions of the North American Indian Portfolio (1844). The lithographic stones and printing were completed by the British firm Day & Haghe. Offered here is one of the most iconic images from his portfolio. Catlin’s study remains one of the most widely circulated works on American Indians written in the nineteenth century, and the illustrations are valued for their highly important visual documentation of indigenous Indian life in the American West.
Howard Cook’s mastery of printmaking is evident in Morning Smokes, Taos Pueblo through the precise network of lines with which the artist has successfully rendered the drama of long shadows and pueblo fires lit at the end of the day. This etching depicts the Indian pueblo at Taos in northern New Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been occupied for some 1,000 years. Although Howard Norton Cook developed a national reputation as a painter and muralist during his lifetime, he is perhaps even better known today as one of the premier American printmakers. His printmaking spanned five decades, but his best work, as well as the greater part of his output, was made in the 1920s and 1930s, the period to which the present print belongs. The print’s skillful execution and exquisite play of light and dark make for a fine summation of Cook’s printmaking achievements.
Howard Cook (1901–80). “Morning Smokes, Taos Pueblo,” 1927. Woodcut on fine tissue paper from a proposed edition of 75 (50 were printed). Image size: 8 x 8″. Sheet size: 12 x 9”. Signed l.r.,, signed in block upper right, “Cook”, inscribed lower left 75. Printed eschewed, Excellent condition. $7,500.
Richard Welsted Day (1896-1972). “Rio Grande, NM,” 1930. Lithograph on Basingwerk Parchment. Impression number: 3 of 24. Image size: 11 1/4 x 13″. Full margins. Sheet size: 17 1/2 x 23 7/8“. Archivally refit in original silver toned frame: 23 1/4 x 24 3/4“. Signed by the artist in pencil, l.r. Titled in pencil, l.c. “Paul Roeher, imp,” l.l. Strong impression, very clean and bright. Some foxing left margin. Excellent condition for this rare print. $4,500.
Richard Day’s lithographs reveal a mastery of the medium as well as a level of modernist sophistication that indicate a great amount of understanding and interest in the work of his contemporaries for this self-trained artist. The subject of the present lithograph, Rio Grande, N.M., appears to be quite rare in his body of work, while scenes from Mexico, for example, are more numerous. Nearly all of Day’s lithographs date from the 1930s, and certainly he would have been aware of the allure that both Mexico and New Mexico held for many artists of the time. Richard Day is well known for his work in motion pictures as an art director for Erich von Stroheim, MGM, and 20th Century Fox, having received forty nominations and seven Academy Awards during his fifty-year career in film. He began his career as a commercial artist in Canada and moved to Hollywood in 1920 where he first worked as a scene painter.
Offered here is an outstanding landscape print by Texas artist Lloyd L. Goff. This expansive western landscape is cast into a moody ambience by contrasting tones of light and dark created by the passing storm. High pitches of bright sunlight beam down through scarce openings in the dense, saturated clouds. Notions of gusty winds are evident in the isolated diagonal rains and activated weather vane, an iconic scene of the American West. Although quiet in scale, this visceral image delivers an outstanding range of movement and volume. It would undoubtedly make an exceptional addition to any collection centered around Texas and the southwest.
Lloyd L. Goff (1918-1982). “Cattle Country,” 1945. Lithograph on heavy paper. Signed and dated in pencil l.r.: Lloyd L. Goff 1945. Titled in pencil l.l. Cattle Country. Image Size: 6 1/4 x 11 1/4“. Sheet size: 8 3/4 x 14 1/4“. Handsomely framed in an archival presentation: 14 3/8 x 19“. Rich, strong impression. Excellent condition. $2,800.
Gene Kloss (1903-1996). “Open Range,” 1964. Etching on fine, thin paper. Edition number 15/50. Full margins. Sheet size: 9 x 16 1/4″. Plate mark: 7 1/4 x 14 3/4“. Titled in pencil l.l. margin. Signed by the Artist in pencil l.r. margin. Archivally framed: 15 5/8 x 22 7/8“. Excellent condition. $3,500.
This fantastic print by Gene Kloss is set within the vast high-desert between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. A solitary rider keeps pace with his cattle amongst the beautiful backdrop of northern New Mexico. The lone cowboy tending to his herd has become one of the most iconic images of the American West. The particularly long, rectangular format of the image lends itself in conveying an expansive, panoramic view. Sparsely etched lines together with a slight plate tone add to the atmospheric perspective of the image, while the heavily inked mountains in the midground anchor the composition. Kloss’ artworks have been acquired by a number of important collections, including the Carnegie Institute, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Denver Art Museum, the Library of Congress, the Metropolitan Museum, the Museum of New Mexico, the San Diego Museum of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the San Francisco Art Museum.
“This is a study, from the mirror image, of an old artist, ‘granddaddy Benton’ as all the kids call me. I had a belly when I did it but after building a stone retaining wall, 65 feet long and in some places 10 feet high, on our place in Martha’s Vineyard, I got rid of it.” – Thomas Hart Benton.
This fascinating self-portrait by the renowned Thomas Hart Benton pays homage to the artist’s elevated draftsmanship and great understanding of human form and likeness. His remarkable ability to render himself with such accuracy from a mirror image reinforces the viewers appreciation of a long life dedicated to art. In addition, his masterful mark making implemented throughout the image viscerally conveys the rich and lush textures of the clothing, surroundings, and emotions. Benton’s paintings are well known for depicting common, everyday scenes of Midwestern life as well as his large-scale murals.
Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975). “Self-Portrait,” 1972. Lithograph on heavy paper. Published by Associated American Artists: New York. Edition of 300. Full margins. Sheet size: 24 x 18“. Image size: 19 5/8 x 13 3/4“. Signed in the plate, l.r. Signed by the Artist in pencil, l.r. margin. Excellent condition. $8,000.
Gene Kloss (1903–1996). “Shadows of the Evening,” 1973. Etching. Image size: 11 x 14″. Sheet size: 14 1/8 x 19 1/2“. Titled by the Artist in pencil l.l. margin. Artist Proof noted in l.l. margin in pencil. Signed by the Artist in pencil l.r. margin. Strong impression. Archivally framed: 19 5/8 x 21 3/4“. Excellent condition. $6,500.
Illuminated by the moonlight, this tranquil scene shows a lone horse grazing in an open meadow just up from the banks of a nearby river, which is hidden by a large grove of cottonwood trees. Distant peaks are cast into the deepening shadows of the night as the foreground fluctuates between subtle tones of light and dark. An ominous sky of intrigue projects abstract emotions of a parallel complexity. This outstanding print by Gene Kloss beautifully depicts the enchanting landscape of Northern New Mexico. Born Alice Geneva Glaiser, the artist took her husband’s last name and used “Gene” as her first. She and Phillips Kloss were native to California and first visited New Mexico on their honeymoon in 1925, where, as she states, “We entered the Magdalena plain at sunset—one of those incredible ones that was made of color. I was a New Mexican from then on.”
This bucolic scene of the old church in Cundiyo, New Mexico is masterfully rendered in the medium of etching by artist and printmaker Doel Reed. This humble catholic church located in the rural village of Cundiyo occupies the foreground of the image, dividing the visual plane with its geometric yet organic forms constructed of adobe. Set within the majestic landscape of northern New Mexico, Reed poetically translates the expanse and beauty of this geographic region through the meticulous process of aquatint. Heavy tones around the border of the image naturally creates a physical yet metaphorical window, which in turn offers the viewer a sublime glimpse into a bygone era. Considered a true “master of the aquatint,” he would describe himself as a “a purist,” and attest that “aquatint offers … a broad field for the expression of beauty, strength, and drama.” Reed created studies in the field with crayon and ink, later using them to complete paintings and prints in his studio.
Doel Reed (1894-1985). “Old Church at Cundiyo,” 1975. Aquatint etching on beautiful heavy paper with some deckled edges. Richly inked image with full margins. Sheet size: 15 x 22 1/2“. Image size: 10 1/4 x 17 5/8“. Original edition of 30. Identified as Artist’s Proof in pencil l.l. Signed by the artist in pencil l.r. Doel Reed, N.A. Minor ink smudges in margins l.l. u.r. and l.r.; Some stray ink on upper plate mark, does not affect presentation. Handsomely presented in a Frames 27th black lacquer frame: 20 3/4 x 27 1/2“. A fine impression for this artist proof. Excellent condition. $7,500.
Earl Stroh is considered one of the great Taos Modernists. His work encapsulates much of what attracted artists to the extraordinary landscape of the Taos environs, which is clearly apparent in the present work. Stroh’s use of varying tones of shading and loosely defined lines successfully portray this ephemeral landscape of Northern New Mexico. Just enough visual information is given to the viewer to translate the subject of the work, but yet is still largely abstract as to open up possibilities for the imagination. A renowned perfectionist, Stroh honed his technique to create impossibly atmospheric works on paper with subtly sophisticated compositions the likes of which may be compared to ancient Taoist paintings, as well as modernist masters of the 20th century.
Earl W. Stroh (1924-2005). “Thracian Mode II,” 1979. Two-color lithograph. Image extends to the edge of the sheet. Sheet size: 20 1/16 x 29 1/8“. Publisher: Tamarind Institute: 1979. Collaborating printer: Stephen Britko. Edition of 18. Indicated as Proof C, l.r. Signed by the artist l.l. Publishers chop l.l. Artist chop l.r. Excellent condition. $2,800.
Valerie Graves presents a beautiful painting of the Taos valley while showcasing the rich hues that this region is famous for. Set amongst a field of sagebrush, two riders on horseback tend to their herd on a tranquil day in September. The range of golden yellows radiating from the blooming chamisa indicate that fall is just around the corner in Northern New Mexico. Graves masterfully captures the enchanting light and essence of this special place, which is evident in the color modulation in the distant mountain range. Small, precise brushstrokes create an intricate amalgam of color and texture, which makes this painting so appealing to the senses. Graves is a Master Painter of landscapes and expertly translates the fleeting light of the American Southwest, and is able to capture the essence that makes this region so special. Her work is comparable to the very best of the early Taos Society painters and would make an extraordinary addition to any collection that is focused on the Southwest and Northern New Mexico.
Valerie Graves. “September Days,” 2006. Oil on panel, 12 x 12“. Signed by the artist l.r. Signed and titled by the artist on verso. Handsomely framed: 17 1/2 x 17 1/2“. Excellent condition. $2,850.
